In order to celebrate 40 years of Sister Province relations between the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Japanese Speech Contest with a free theme. Therefore, participants who are active UGM students can present speeches with themes that are not limited to one topic. The competition will be held on November 15, 2024 in Multimedia Room 1, UGM Main Building, 3rd Floor, North Wing.

Prior to the competition on November 15, participants were required to submit a 3-minute video speech at the registration link. Based on the submitted videos, eight people were selected who got the opportunity to deliver speeches offline on Friday, November 15, 2024. The Governor of Kyoto surprised the participants by being present to witness the competition.

At the end of the competition, Ananda Fajar Ayu Kinanti from the Japanese Language and Culture program was chosen as the first winner and Muhammad Iska Alif An Naksabandi from the Vocational School was chosen as the second winner. Both winners received prizes in the form of an opportunity to participate in the International Student Summit which will be held in August in Kyoto. Hopefully both winners will make the best use of this opportunity and return with new knowledge that is useful for themselves and those around them.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Author: Valentina Pramahita Iswari, Editor: Yulia Agustiani, Translator: Sandya Kirani]

The Roadshow of Master of American Studies UGM to the City of Heroes, Surabaya, which was held on November 28-29, 2024, successfully became an important momentum in expanding academic networks. In addition to carrying out the study program promotion agenda, visits to Airlangga University (UNAIR), as well as the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia, Surabaya also reflects the commitment of the Master of American Studies Program to continue to advance the field of transnational studies and strengthen collaboration between institutions.

The UGM delegation made the first visit to the Master’s Program in Literature and Cultural Studies, UNAIR on Thursday, November 28, 2024. On this occasion, 13 students of Master of American Studies were accompanied by the Head of Study Program, Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum. Upon arrival at UNAIR, the group was warmly welcomed by the Head of Master of Arts in Literature and Culture, UNAIR, Mr. Edi Dwi Riyanto, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., who is also an alumnus of Master of Arts in American Studies, UGM, as well as several representatives of lecturers and students of Master of Arts in Literature and Culture and English Literature, UNAIR. The meeting began with the presentation of information on the excellence and curriculum of the Master of American Studies, UGM by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum. Then, this presentation was continued by several students who shared their academic and non-academic experiences while studying at the Master of American Studies, UGM.

This visit also resulted in productive discussions through Forum Group Discussion (FGD) between lecturers and students. In particular, the lecturers collected stakeholder aspirations in the context of the 2025 Curriculum review. For students, this meeting not only strengthened the relationship between students of Master of American Studies UGM and Master of Literary and Cultural Studies, UNAIR, but also resulted in initiatives for collaborative work programs in the academic field for 2025 through the student associations of Master of American Studies, UGM and Master of Literary and Cultural Studies, UNAIR. By sharing insights about their respective curricula, scientific publications, and excellent programs, both study programs have opened up opportunities for broader joint development.

Picture 1 Forum Group Discussion of UGM and UNAIR lecturers

On Friday, November 29, 2024, the group visited the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia, Surabaya to conclude the roadshow series. This visit became a valuable experience for Master students of American studies. The talk show session with Kayla M. Smith, Foreign Service Officer, provided a new picture of various American cultural traditions, especially related to the Thanksgiving celebration. In addition, the discussion with a warm and intimate atmosphere with Kayla, who also relates some Indonesian cultural traditions, also adds to the experience of cultural dimensions that are relevant to the context of transnational American Studies for students.

Picture 2 Group Photo at the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia office, Surabaya

This series of roadshows provides experience of synergy between academic institutions and external parties to encourage inclusive, cross-cultural, and contextual learning for students. The success of this event is expected to be a foothold for deeper collaboration in the future, strengthening the position of UGM Master of American Studies as an innovative, adaptive, and globally oriented study program.

On Monday, November 25, 2024, students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), conducted a field study to PT Rupa Raya Indonesia, a company engaged in the field of Japanese home architecture design.

This activity is a direct learning event for students to understand the application of creative technology while seeing opportunities for cooperation between Japanese culture and technological innovation in Indonesia. PT Rupa Raya Indonesia, which has a reputation for excellence in the field of design, was the perfect location to broaden the students’ knowledge of culture and technology.

The event began with a warm welcome from the CEO of Marumori Company Japan, PT Rupa Raya Indonesia’s international partner, who explained the company’s vision in supporting collaboration. The speech was followed by the CEO of PT Rupa Raya Indonesia represented by Mr. Irzam Sarif, underlining the importance of HR development to support the company’s development.

Picture 1 Japanese Counselling Study Programme Students Conduct Field Study at PT Rupa Raya Indonesia, Semarang

Students then followed an in-depth presentation of the company profile by PT Rupa Raya Indonesia staff. In this session, students were invited to explore the company’s superior products and services, including 3D animation and virtual reality-based innovations.

As a token of appreciation, UGM presented souvenirs to PT Rupa Raya Indonesia, which ended with a group photo session. Furthermore, students had the opportunity to visit the production office of PT Rupa Raya Indonesia. On this tour, they witnessed every process that goes into working on design orders from Japan.

This activity is expected to inspire students to continue learning and innovating, combining the advantages of Japanese language and culture with the creative spirit of Indonesia. With this visit, it is also hoped that students will not only gain new insights, but also be motivated to contribute to the development of the creative industry in the future.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Author: Yulia Agustiani, Editor: Valentina Pramahita Iswari, Translator: Sandya Kirani]

A popular annual event organized by students of the Korean Language and Culture Undergraduate Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Korean Days UGM returns with the title “Cue The Stage: Uncovering the Covered K-Culture” with the main concept of ‘Theater Arts’. This event has been held for two days, namely on November 9 and 10, 2024 at Gor Lembah UGM. The 19th Korean Days this time was filled with various activities that showed the exploration of other Korean cultures that were no less exciting. Various kinds of interesting activities can be felt by all visitors at the 19th Korean Days UGM this year which presents a lot of spectacular activities.

On the first day, various competitions were held. The titles of the competitions held include, “Sing Cover Competition: Call The Angel Voice”, ”Dance Cover Competition: Let The Dancers In!”, ”Fanart Competition: The Chosen Artist”, and last but not least, this year’s inaugural ”Dress-walk Competition: Spot The Camera!” where visitors were spoiled with the unique and beautiful appearance and creativity of the participants.

Continued on the second day which is the highlight of the event that will be enlivened by various performances ranging from Taekwondo martial arts performed by UKM Taekwondo UGM, and the first joint appearance by dongari (club) Language and Culture UGM which is displayed in the form of drama performances filled by Samulnori, Hancamchum, Talchum, Katarsis, and also Buchaechum.

The event was also attended by talents and competition winners, as well as the much-anticipated Random Play Dance. The main guest star performances were topped off by boy group AXE, Indonesian idol Malvin, and singer and influencer Chris Andrian.

The event ended with a night of Noraebang (Karaoke) hosted by Maze Culture. There were also traditional game and hanbok booths, Food Bazaar, and Fanart Exhibition.

The success of the 19th Korean Day cannot be separated from the support of the sponsors, namely KT&G, Korea Foundation, PT PLN (Persero), PT TKG Taekwang Indonesia, King Sejong Institute, CV Sweat Gigs Indonesia, PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk, Woori Saudara Bank, BPJS Employment, Sari Roti, BSM Rental Yogyakarta, IFrame Rental and Orent Kamera, Momu Photobooth, Belikopi, Artatix, and support from 45 media partners.

The 19th Korean Day series of events is expected to provide great benefits in introducing Korean culture in depth to the entire community. Through this activity, participants not only enjoy entertainment, but also gain insight into Korean traditions, arts, and cultural values that may not be widely known. Also, in the future, it is hoped that this event will continue to be a more inclusive and innovative platform, so that more parties can be involved. With the spirit of sustainability, Korean Day can be one of the events that not only supports cultural diplomacy, but also encourages the growth of appreciation for global culture among Indonesians.

On May 4, 2024, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran (FISIP Unpad) hosted a public lecture featuring Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A., a professor from the Department of Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada. In this lecture, Prof. Pujo addressed the topic “The Notion of Justice, Racism, and Coffee Cultivation in Colonial Java, 1870s-1930s,” combining anthropological insights with the colonial history of Java. Through this subject, Prof. Pujo—familiarly known as Mas Pujo—invited students to understand how the history of coffee cultivation in 19th-century Java reinforced racial and economic injustices, which continue to have lasting impacts today.

Mas Pujo emphasized the importance of understanding colonial history in the context of coffee cultivation to see its influence on current social and economic conditions, particularly within Indonesia’s coffee industry. The lecture, held at FISIP Unpad’s campus in Jatinangor, West Java, was attended by students from various departments. They were urged to recognize the exploitative nature of colonial coffee cultivation. Mas Pujo explained that this system was based on three principles: first, as a tool to enrich Dutch entrepreneurs; second, the myth of native laziness was used to justify forced labor; and third, all coffee production was directed to meet the demands of European industry, rather than benefiting the local population.

One of the key points of the lecture was the racial injustice surrounding the entire process of coffee cultivation, marketing, and consumption during the colonial era. Mas Pujo revealed that, at the time, Javanese people were prohibited from consuming coffee; they were only allowed to drink coffee leaves, while native laborers were forced to work on plantations. The right to market coffee was restricted to Dutch and Chinese trade guilds, and coffee could only be enjoyed by white individuals.

Through his analysis, Mas Pujo highlighted how colonial policies based on race created social injustices that continue to affect economic and social relations in modern Indonesia. This public lecture sparked active discussions among students, who were eager to connect the historical relevance of this topic to the current state of the coffee industry.

The full lecture can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/RcER1qufrMI.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM, Author: Bonifacius Edo, Editor: Aldiza]